Halal Guys opens New Orleans location on St. Charles Avenue

The Halal Guys (301 St. Charles Ave., 504-302-2918; www.facebook.com/thehalalguysnola) opened its first New Orleans location June 24. The New York City-based chain (www.thehalalguys.com) is known for oversized gyro and chicken platters and sandwiches. The restaurant grew out of a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fast food concept that three friends launched out of a hot dog cart in Midtown Manhattan in 1990. Their spot quickly drew lunchtime crowds and long lines. The franchise has expanded globally with more than 200 locations in the works, including several in Louisiana.

The restaurant's simple menu features a choice of gyro, chicken or falafel over rice and vegetables or stuffed into pita and drizzled with fiery red chili sauce or the restaurant's signature white sauce. Fries with hummus or tahini and baklava round out the short menu. The restaurant is open from 10:30 a.m. to midnight daily.